Brighton manager Dario Vidosic is preparing to depart the Women's Super League club just over a week before the new season kicks off, with multiple sources confirming he has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of NWSL side Angel City.
The 39-year-old, who was born in Croatia and represented Australia as a midfielder during his playing career, has spent two seasons in charge of Brighton. His tenure included guiding the club to their first-ever appearance in a Women's FA Cup final at Wembley this past May. News of his impending exit, first reported by the Daily Telegraph, is said to have caught many within the Brighton squad off guard.
Brighton are due to open their WSL campaign on 6 September against Arsenal at home. The club declined to comment when approached about Vidosic's expected departure.
Under Vidosic's leadership, Brighton finished fifth in the WSL during the 2025 campaign before slipping to seventh place last season. Despite the drop in league position, he has remained a well-liked figure among the club's fanbase, and his departure is regarded as a significant loss for the Seagulls.
Angel City, based in Los Angeles, have been operating under interim head coach Leif Smerud since Alexander Straus left the role in June. Smerud, who previously managed Crystal Palace, currently has the club sitting ninth in the NWSL standings, just two points shy of a playoff spot. Sources close to the organization indicate there is satisfaction with how Smerud has steered the team through the remainder of the campaign.
Vidosic is reportedly held in high regard by Angel City's hierarchy, and the expectation is that any formal move would be timed to have him in place ahead of the 2027 NWSL season rather than an immediate switch. A club spokesperson addressed the coaching search, stating: "We are making progress with finalists for our head coach position. We are not planning to appoint a head coach until after the end of this season. We are proud of the team's development and remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong."
That statement suggests Angel City are not rushing the process, even as Vidosic's name continues to be linked most strongly with the vacancy. The club's approach indicates a preference for stability through the rest of the current NWSL season before finalizing any coaching change.
Vidosic's managerial background also includes a spell at Melbourne City Women prior to his move to Brighton, giving him experience across different footballing environments. His reported willingness to leave English football for a fresh challenge in the United States underscores the growing appeal of the NWSL to coaches with strong track records in the women's game.
For Brighton, the timing of the departure presents a significant challenge as they prepare to begin a new WSL campaign without the manager who led them to their most memorable cup run in club history. How the Seagulls respond to this sudden change in leadership, particularly with a season-opener against Arsenal looming, will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Angel City's patient stance on the head coach search suggests they are prioritizing a smooth transition, potentially allowing Vidosic to fulfill obligations elsewhere before formally taking charge in Los Angeles. Based on reporting from The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph.